5 clues that Apple is working on something big

United States Patent and Trademark Office
Move over Facebook and Google. There's mounting evidence that Apple is also getting into augmented reality.

On Monday, Piper Jaffray's analyst Gene Munster cited in a research note a few other signs that the iPhone maker may have plans to dive into the space.

Augmented reality (AR) is the concept that puts digital images on top of real-word images. Some believe AR and virtual reality (VR) could represent the next step in personal computing after mobile devices likes smartphones and tablets.

In fact, it could be the final form of computing because it essentially eliminates the need to use devices with screens. You'd just need to wear a special set of glasses that adapt with software to show you whatever you need.

Here's a look at five signs that indicate Apple will make moves in the AR/VR sooner than later.

Apple is buying VR related companies

YouTube

Earlier this year, Apple acquired the German company Metaio, which developed augmented reality technologies.

9to5 Mac has reported that the company may be planning to use the tech for an augmented reality feature in its Map App. Users would be able to hold up their iPhone or iPad in the Maps app and point it to a location to get a virtual overlay of information about that venue.

2/

It's securing patents

United States Patent and Trademark Office

In February, the tech giant won a patent for a head mounted display that would incorporate placing another "portable electronic device," like an iPhone, into the headset for viewing. The company originally filed for it in September 2008.

Munster points out that with Apple's purchase of Metaio it now has 171 worldwide patents tied to augmented reality, ranking it as 11th place for AR and head mounted display patents.

3/

Apple acquired the 3D sensing company that helped Microsoft

Flickr

Back in 2013, Apple bought an Israeli company called PrimeSense, which develops 3D sensing tech. The company is known for licensing its chip technology and hardware design to Microsoft for use in its Kinect motion-sensing system for the Xbox 360.

4/

It's hiring VR talent

Microsoft

Apple has also been poaching key employees from other tech giants working on augmented and virtual reality technologies. The company recently hired Nick Thompson, the lead audio engineer for Microsoft's Hololens augmented reality project.

The company has also had several job postings on LinkedIn that show it's hiring engineers with experience developing augmented reality technology.

5/

All of Apple's biggest competition is betting on AR and VR

Facebook

And lastly, it would be crazy for Apple not to be experimenting in the space considering most of its competition, including Google, Facebook, and Samsung, are investing heavily in the space.